July 4 2006

65% of the Welsh population think that history is cool - whilst three quarters of the population enjoy watching films based in the past or reading historic books. These are just some of the findings of a survey which coincides with the official launch of the History Matters celebration this week.

Addressing what history really means to people in a modern day context and understanding how important it is in all our daily lives will be the focus of a Wales-wide celebration called Hanfod Hanes: i`r Gymru fydd/History Matters: pass it on. This is a partnership between the National Trust, Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment service, Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and backed by a variety of wider supporting organisations will encourage the people of Wales to speak up for history and tell the nation why history matters to them and what they would like to pass on to future generations.

A special event will be held at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay at 12.30pm on Thursday 6th July to mark the official launch of this mass celebration due to take place from July to November, providing a variety of opportunities for public engagement. Filling in postcards about what people value from Welsh History, wearing History Matters badges and participating in Wales wide History Matters events at National Trust, Cadw, and National Museums Wales properties, sites and monuments will be encouraged in spreading the message that History really does matter to the people of Wales.

Throughout the celebration the public will get a chance to say they care about history – by taking a badge at the various attractions across Wales and completing a postcard to answer questions such as: “Who is your favourite Welsh Hero/Heroine? What influence did he/she have on you?”, “Name your favourite Welsh historic building? What is good about it?” “What historic object do you own and cherish? What would you most like to pass on to future generations?”

Culture Minister Alun Pugh said: "The Welsh Assembly Government is pleased to support this celebration. The historic environment is an important part of Wales' heritage. I urge people to get involved in the events to ensure a prosperous future for our historic buildings so that future generations are able to enjoy and learn from Wales' rich heritage."

Jennifer Stewart, HLF Manager for Wales said ‘The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to be supporting the History Matters campaign. We know that heritage and history play a hugely significant role in improving the quality of life of people and their communities. Through the projects we fund, thousands of people look after and celebrate what matters to them from the past - research shows our funding alone has generated over a century of volunteer time in heritage, providing many opportunities for fun and active involvement.”

Iwan Huws, Director of the National Trust in Wales says: “historic places help us to understand who we are and where we’ve come from – individually and as a nation. History also provides inspiration for new ideas and solutions to the problems we face today – including opportunities to learn from past mistakes. These are the kind of messages the four partners hope to convey in the History Matters celebration.”

Michael Houlihan, Director General at Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales says: "Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales is delighted to be able to join forces with the other major pan-Wales heritage organisations with the aim of promoting the importance of history. Unless a society has an awareness of its past - both achievements and mistakes - it is not able to make informed decisions about the kind of society it might wish to be for the future.

"That is why we are committed to developing a museum of national history for Wales - beginning with increasing the range of interpretation at St Fagans, to give a clear historical timeline and opportunities to explore the complex layers of personal experiences that formed the societies and individuals who live in Wales today. This will be the first phase of a ten year programme to create a national museum of archaeology and history at St Fagans."